Safeway is a popular grocery store that offers a wide range of products, including beer, wine, and spirits. The store also has a loyalty program called Safeway for U™ that offers personalized deals, digital coupons, rewards, and other benefits to its members. While there is no explicit mention of using a Safeway gift card to purchase beer, the store's policy states that gift cards are generally used for goods and services at their retail locations. Therefore, it is likely that one can use a Safeway gift card to buy beer, as long as the beer is purchased at a Safeway store location. However, it is always a good idea to check with the specific store or customer service to get an accurate answer regarding their gift card usage policies.
What You'll Learn
Safeway IDs everyone in your party when you buy beer
When purchasing beer at Safeway, it is important to note that the store has a strict policy of carding everyone in your party, regardless of who is paying. This means that if you are buying beer and have a companion with you, they will also need to present a valid ID, even if they are not the ones making the purchase.
This policy is in place at the discretion of the clerk and is considered a liability issue by the store. While it may seem inconvenient, it is important to comply with the request as it is meant to prevent underage drinking. If you are purchasing alcohol, be prepared to show your ID, as well as the IDs of any companions you may have with you.
In some cases, the clerk may use their judgment and suggest that your companion waits outside while you make the purchase. This is a way to bypass the ID check for everyone in your party. However, it is important to note that the final decision lies with the clerk on duty.
It is worth mentioning that this policy has been a source of frustration for some customers, who feel that it infringes on their freedom and does not effectively prevent underage drinking. Some customers have also pointed out that it creates an unnecessary hurdle, especially when the companion is not going to be consuming the alcohol.
To avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable to carry your ID with you when purchasing alcohol at Safeway and be prepared to present it if asked. This will ensure a smooth transaction and help you abide by the store's policies.
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Safeway's policy on checking IDs
Safeway has a strict policy on checking IDs for alcohol purchases. In 2010, the grocery store introduced a trial program in which customers were required to scan their driver's licenses into an information-reading machine to verify their age before purchasing alcohol. This policy was implemented in response to recent violations of liquor license laws, with stores in Petaluma and Rohnert Park, California, paying hefty fines to the Alcoholic Beverage Control department.
While some customers were unbothered by the new system, others, including Petaluma retiree Frank Simpson, were outraged, calling the measure "offensive" and "patently absurd." Simpson, a retired attorney, began blogging about the experience, igniting a debate among Petaluma shoppers. Some questioned the need for such stringent ID verification, citing privacy concerns and the apparent absurdity of carding senior citizens. Others, however, appreciated the stores' efforts to curb underage drinking.
In response to the controversy, a Safeway spokeswoman, Susan Houghton, acknowledged customers' concerns and stated that the company was considering alternative options, such as requiring scans only for customers who appear under 35 years of age. She emphasized that the scan was meant to eliminate human error in age verification and that the information collected was not stored or used for any other purpose.
In addition to the trial program, Safeway's general policy on checking IDs appears to be stringent as well. According to a customer account from 2008, a store manager stated that "the policy is, at the discretion of the clerk, to check the ID of every person present" during an alcohol purchase. This means that even individuals who are not directly purchasing alcohol but are part of the buying party may be asked to show ID.
While this policy may be seen as an excessive precaution by some, Safeway appears committed to ensuring compliance with liquor laws and preventing underage access to alcohol.
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Beer, wine, and spirits available at Safeway
Safeway offers a wide range of beer, wine, and spirits to cater to various preferences. Their selection includes classic beer brands and new brewery favorites, so beer lovers are sure to find something to their taste. For wine enthusiasts, Safeway offers reds, whites, sparkling wines, and box wines, ensuring that every occasion is covered.
If you're looking for something stronger, Safeway also has a variety of spirits and mixers available. Their spirit selection includes:
- Jack Daniels Single Barrel Rye
- Old Fitzgerald Bottle In Bond 8 Year
- Hornitos Tequila Plata 80 Proof
- Humboldt Distillery Vodka 80 Proof
- Smirnoff Vodka Recipe No. 21 80 Proof
- Tito's Handmade Vodka
- Stoli Vodka 80 Proof
- Espolon Tequila Reposado
- Old Fitzgerald Bottle In Bond
- Russells Rsv Bbn Brl Pr 13yr 114.8PF (limited quantities in-store)
- Absolut & Ocean Spray Variety Pack
- Henry Mckenna Single Barrel 100 Proof (limited quantities in-store)
- Blantons Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey 93 Proof (limited quantities in-store)
- Cutwater Bali Hai Tropical Rum Variety Pack
- Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 90 Proof
- Sauza Tequila Hornitos Plata Tequila 80 Proof
- Van Winkle Special Reserve Aged 12 Years Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 90.4 Proof (limited quantities in-store)
- Johnnie Walker Red Label Blended Scotch Whisky
- George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 135 Proof
- Camarena Tequila Reposado 80 Proof
- Hornitos Tequila Reposado 80 Proof
- Flor De Cana Anejo Oro Rum
- New Amsterdam Vodka Pink Whitney
- Chartreuse Green Liqueur 110 Proof
So, whether you're throwing a backyard cookout or inviting friends over for drinks, Safeway has you covered with their extensive selection of beer, wine, and spirits.
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Beer brands available at Safeway
Safeway offers a wide range of beer brands, from classic labels to new craft brewery favourites. While the exact selection may vary by store, here is a list of some of the beer brands available at Safeway:
- Knee Deep Brewing Co.
- 21st Amendment Brewery
- Zoigl Pilsner
- Cascade Lakes Brewing Company
- Truly Unruly
- Hop Valley
- Anderson Valley Brewing
- Crux
- Tropic Pines
In addition to these brands, Safeway also offers a variety of non-alcoholic beers, flavoured malt beverages, and beer mixes. So, whether you're looking for a classic beer, a craft brew, or a non-alcoholic option, Safeway has something to suit your taste.
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Safeway's range of classic beer brands
Safeway offers a range of classic beer brands, including well-known and beloved options as well as some newer brewery favorites. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or just looking for a refreshing drink, you're sure to find something to your taste at Safeway.
One of the classic beer brands available at Safeway is the 21st Amendment Brewery. This brewery is known for its innovative and award-winning beers, which have earned them a reputation as one of the leading craft breweries in the country. Their beers are designed to be approachable and balanced, making them a perfect choice for those who want a high-quality, yet easy-drinking beer.
Another classic option available at Safeway is the Knee Deep Brewing Co. This brewery is known for its bold and flavorful beers, which are crafted with passion and a commitment to quality. Their beers are designed to push the boundaries of traditional styles, offering unique and intriguing options for beer enthusiasts.
In addition to these well-established brands, Safeway also offers a selection of beers from newer breweries that are making waves in the craft beer scene. One such option is the Cascade Lakes Brewing Company, which offers a Hazy Kush Pack and a Blonde Bombshell beer, both of which are sure to delight drinkers with their unique flavors and aromas.
For those who want a classic beer with a twist, Safeway also offers a range of flavored malt beverages, including the Zoigl Pilsner and the Tropic Pines IPA. These beers offer a fun and refreshing take on traditional styles, perfect for those who want to try something a little different.
So, whether you're a fan of time-honored favorites or exciting new brews, Safeway has a classic beer brand to suit your taste. With their range of options, you can easily find the perfect beer to pair with your next backyard cookout or casual get-together with friends.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a Safeway gift card to buy beer. However, Safeway has a policy of checking the ID of everyone in your party, not just the person paying.
Yes, Safeway sells wine and spirits, so you can use your gift card to purchase these items as well.
Yes, you can use your Safeway gift card to purchase a wide range of items, including groceries, pharmacy items, and general merchandise.